What is bedwetting?

Bedwetting happens when your child doesn't wake up during the night when they need to urinate (do a wee). This causes them to wet the bed.

Bedwetting is very common. It's also known as 'nocturnal enuresis'.

It's very common for children aged 6 years and under to wet the bed. But older children can wet the bed too. About 1 in 20 children aged 10 years old wet the bed. Some children wet their bed into their teens.

This article is about bedwetting in children older than 6 years. Here is information on bedwetting in younger children.

What symptoms are related to bedwetting?

Bedwetting can happen every night or just now and again.

Some children who wet the bed also have problems with wetting during the day.

This may be:

• needing to wee often
• needing to wee urgently
• wetting during the day (accidents)

Bedwetting can be upsetting for children as well as distressing and frustrating for parents. But it isn't your child's fault. Bedwetting has nothing to do with bad behaviour.

Some children continue to wet the bed from birth. Others start bedwetting again when they are older, after being dry for a while.

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What causes bedwetting in older children?

Bedwetting tends to run in families. If one or both parents wet the bed when they were young, it's more likely to happen with their children.

Most children who wet the bed sleep very deeply and don't wake up when they need to urinate (do a wee).

Some children might make a lot of urine at night. This can happen if they don't make enough of a hormone called antidiuretic hormone (ADH) overnight. They might also have a small bladder that only holds a small amount of urine.

Bedwetting can also be related to:

• constipation in children
• emotional problems — a stressful event can cause an older child to wet the bed
• a medical problem (this is uncommon)

Bedwetting is not usually done to get attention. Your child likely doesn't control or isn't aware when they wet the bed.

How is the cause of bedwetting in older children diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask about your child's bedwetting including how often it happens. They will check if your child has ever been dry overnight.

They might also ask about:

• your child's sleeping patterns
• your child's bladder and bowel (toileting) habits
• whether they have any problems with wetting during the day
• how much they drink during the day
• what they usually eat and drink (such as caffeinated drinks)
• if your child has had any recent stressful events

Your doctor will examine your child. Sometimes, they might recommend a urine test or other tests. But often further testing is not needed.

Your doctor might refer your child to a specialist in children's bedwetting.

When should my child see a doctor?

It's a good idea to see your doctor if your child is bedwetting after about 6 or 7 years of age.

If your child starts wetting the bed again after a period of being dry, you should take them to the doctor for a check-up.

Also see your doctor if you are worried or your child is upset about wetting the bed.

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How is bedwetting in older children treated?

Bedwetting usually doesn't need treatment before the age of 6 years. That's because it usually gets better by itself.

There are many treatments available for bedwetting in older children. For some children, your doctor may recommend you see a:

• paediatrician (children's doctor)
• physiotherapist who works with children with bladder control problems
• specialist nurse

Self-care at home

Here are some tips to help your child stay dry.

• Remind your child to go to the toilet before going to bed.
• Put a nightlight near the toilet.
• Encourage your child to get up to wee during the night if they need to.
• Use pull-ups or nappies.
• Protect the mattress with a waterproof pad or cover.

Waking your child and walking or carrying them to the toilet in the night doesn't help them become dry long term.

It's also important to:

• encourage your child to drink plenty of water during the day
• make sure your child avoids any food or drinks that contain caffeine (for example chocolate, tea, or cola drinks) before bedtime
• make sure your child eats a healthy diet with plenty of fibre to prevent constipation

Let your child know they should not feel embarrassed or ashamed about bedwetting.

Bedwetting alarms

Alarm therapy is the most effective treatment for bedwetting in children older than 6 years. Both you and your child need to be motivated for a bedwetting alarm to work.

Bedwetting alarms teach your child to wake up and go to the toilet when their bladder needs to be emptied. The alarms are loud enough to wake your child from sleep at the first sign of any moisture. Vibrating alarms are also available.

You can help your child by getting up with them when the alarm sounds (or triggers). Help them change their wet clothes and sheets. Nappies or pull-ups cannot be worn while using a bedwetting alarm.

It takes 6 to 8 weeks for bedwetting alarms to work. Using a reward chart for waking and using the toilet (even when your child isn't completely dry) can be helpful. Keeping a diary to chart your child's progress is also recommended.

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Medicines for bedwetting

In most cases medicines are not needed for bedwetting. But they can be useful in some situations, including when a bedwetting alarm has been tried and not worked.

Your child's doctor may prescribe a medicine called desmopressin, which reduces the amount of urine (wee) made at night. Short-term use of this medicine can be tried for special occasions, such as sleepovers or school camps.

This medicine is only available on prescription and is not suitable for all children.

Tips for parents

Parents should work together with their child to help overcome bedwetting.

Some tips that can be useful during the treatment process are:

• Make sure there is enough light for your child to easily get to the toilet at night.
• Look out for signs of constipation (problems pooing) as this can make bladder problems worse.
• Have your child wear a nightie or only a pyjama top to make the bedwetting alarm process easier.
• Keep a laundry basket and a spare set of pyjamas close to their bed to make changing easier.
• Let your child know it's okay to call out if they need help at night.
• Some families use a double set of sheets — sheet, waterproof pad, extra sheet. This allows the wet sheets to be removed easily, rather than completely making the bed during the night.

How to encourage your child

Your child's self-esteem can be damaged by punishing or embarrassing them. It also hurts when siblings or friends make fun of them.

To encourage and support your child:

• Be understanding and don't punish your child for wetting the bed.
• Do not get angry — it doesn't help and may make your child more anxious.
• Don't shame your child — it doesn't help your child gain bladder control.
• Be patient and supportive.
• Remember that bedwetting is not your child's fault.

Resources and support

Continence Health Australia has more information on bedwetting.

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has useful advice and videos about bedwetting for parents.

Languages other than English

Continence Health Australia has resources on bedwetting in different languages.

You can talk to a nurse specialist by calling the National Continence Helpline on 1800 33 00 66.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.